The best Indian restaurants in Manchester

Housed inside a striking glass pyramid in Stockport, Royal Nawaab is a large, lively Indian restaurant made for going big. Alongside the buzzing main dining space, there are elegant banqueting suites that work perfectly for weddings, parties, and other celebrations. The menu dives into classic Indian and Pakistani cooking, delivering authentic flavours, with all dishes prepared to halal standards.

Boasting a stylish and sophisticated interior with stained glass windows, Dishoom is a trendy spot to get your Indian food fix. This restaurant in Spinningfields serves fine dining versions of Indian street food, including their signature black daal and location-specific specials. Breakfast and exotic cocktails are also available at this venue.

Sample diverse Indian dishes in a vibrant and colourful setting at Indian Tiffin Room. The interiors are enhanced with neon and quirky decor. The varied menu includes dosas, curries, Indo-Chinese recipes, and meat-free dishes. Children's meals are available, plus the restaurant caters for large groups. There's a cocktail bar too that serves original Indian-inspired mixes.

Backstreet restaurant This & That opened in the Northern Quarter back in 1984. This low-key and family-run curry house in Manchester serves hearty homemade dishes prepared with authentic spices. The concise menu features a daily-changing selection of curries, including veggie and vegan selections. This is budget-friendly food served in a no-frills environment.

Award-winning restaurant Rajdoot Tandoori has been open since 1966. This classic family-run establishment focuses on northern Indian cuisine. Diners can try Indian and Nepalese dishes, including Tandoori dishes, thalis, and vegetarian meals. The dining room is atmospheric thanks to its rich colours and traditional decor.

Sangam takes its name from a 1964 Bollywood classic. The restaurant is appropriately decked out with Bollywood posters, rich textures, and flowers. The restaurant offers takeaways or you can eat-in with a set menu of fresh and seasonal dishes. There are several set options to choose from, some including drinks packages.

Situated in the Curry Mile, Mughli Charcoal Pit serves Indian street food in an atmospheric space with Indian posters on the walls. The food menu here is halal. The menu consists of creative tapas-style dishes like a Bombay toasted sandwich, Punjabi-style poutine, and lamb chops. Large groups are welcome here, with special menus available.

Bundobust brings together flavoursome Indian street food and fresh craft brews in a trendy and contemporary setting. You'll see heaps of beers behind the bar and long communal tables in this industrial-styled space. Savour a local craft beer here alongside food ranging from small bites like parathas to larger options like vada pav or dal.

Check out Delhi House Café for Indian all-day dining. This comfortable venue looks modern and stylish with draping vines, big windows, and an attention-grabbing sign on the exterior. The modern menu includes carefully-selected regional dishes from across all of India. Complete the experience with a tempting dessert or a cocktail to share.

Indique aims to serve a unique version of Indian cuisine. Expect well-presented dishes, including some fresh options you might not be familiar with. The menu includes street food, curries, and a variety of vegetarian and vegan choices. This venue in West Didsbury has an elegant but fuss-free look, plus there's a terrace.

Zouk Tea Bar & Grill is a halal restaurant that specialises in Indian and Pakistani recipes. Here, you can try vibrant recipes from all over the Indian sub-continent, accompanied by lively entertainment and a bright and bustling setting. You can even enjoy a halal-friendly fusion roast at weekends. Events like cooking classes take place here, too.

Regional Indian recipes are served at Indian Affair. This place specialises in New Delhi-style cooking. An array of traditional and modern dishes are available here, including a fun bottomless lunch at the weekend. The contemporary dining space makes use of natural colours, giving it a simple and crisp appearance.

Indian and Nepalese dishes are on the menu at The Original Third Eye in Didsbury. Considered one of the best curry houses in Manchester, it's an award-winning restaurant with a bright and straightforward dining room. Takeaways are also available. Classic dishes on the menu include momo dumplings, Tandoori dishes, and curries.

You can have an award-winning Indian meal at Lily's Indian Vegetarian Cuisine. This family-run restaurant is spacious and relaxed, with tempting Indian sweets at the counter. The menu here is 100% vegetarian and includes a diverse array of dishes like street food favourites, curries, and those sought-after Indian sweets and desserts.

Centrally-located restaurant Arnero specialises in dishes from northern India. The food is authentic and well-presented, served in a contemporary dining space that also boasts a covered terrace. Traditional recipes including street food, curries, and dishes cooked in the Tandoor are prepared here in an open kitchen.

Savour an Indian meal in smart surroundings at Copper Lounge. The dining room is decked out in warm copper tones, whilst the atmosphere is warm and relaxed. Dishes from all over India are available here including biryanis, Indo-Chinese dishes, and numerous options for vegetarian guests. There's also a varied drinks menu that includes locally-produced spirits.

Wah Ji Wah offers diners a fresh experience of Indian cooking. The menu includes familiar favourites as well as less common dishes for adventurous guests. Vegetarian options are also available, with wines, cocktails, and Indian beers from the bar. The setting looks contemporary and smart with its streamlined style.

Based at the Corn Exchange, Mowgli Street Food is a fun restaurant that's one of the city's most popular for Indian cuisine. The restaurant has outdoor tables and an interior with swing seats, lots of wood, and leaves and trees inside the space. The menu includes curries, street food, and food roulette tiffin tins for one.

Local restaurant Mumbai to London Café is a popular destination for Indian food in Droylsden. There's a bustling and welcoming dining area with exposed brick walls, but takeaways are also available. The menu is diverse, featuring small plates, classic curries, biryanis, and refreshing salads. Meals for children are also served here.

Coriander serves Indian cuisine prepared with fine local ingredients. Food is presented with elegance here, whilst the modern dining space has a glitzy feel with coloured lights to set the mood. The menu includes a varied selection of dishes including classic curries, seafood, vegetarian dishes, and meals for children.

Sanskruti was one of the first vegetarian Indian restaurants to open up in Manchester. It's a spacious venue with indoor and outdoor seats, as well as a vibrant food menu. Dishes from regions throughout India are served here from classic street food to comforting dal or spicy curries. The restaurant is suitable for any occasion.

At Bombay to Mumbai you get award-winning cooking served in a friendly and vibrant setting. This lively venue is decorated with strong colours and bright posters. There's lots of variety on the menu, which includes Mumbai-style street food, Indo-Chinese dishes, and curries and dal. There's also a well-stocked bar offering a range of drinks.

Whatever the occasion, Sai Spice is an ideal venue in Chorlton. Housed in a large and distinctive building, the restaurant has function rooms for special events in addition to the main dining room. The diverse food menu features something for everyone, from dosas to curries and Hakka noodles. Dishes for kids are also available.

Based in the Curry Mile, Ziya Restaurant is an award-winning Indian restaurant. The dishes are vibrant and authentic. There's a large menu of classic recipes, including vegetarian dishes, or guests can indulge with an Indian-themed afternoon tea. Wine and cocktails are also available. The restaurant is classy and has a simple and streamlined interior.